Melbourne to host Para-cycling track event this December

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The already packed summer of cycling is set to expand, with confirmation that Cycling Australia will be hosting a UCI Level C1 Para-cycling track event.

The event will be conducted in conjunction with the Victorian State Championships at the Darebin International Sports in Melbourne on the 13-14 December, with the Time Trial to be held on Saturday and Individual Pursuit on Sunday.

Some of the best track Para-cyclists from across Australia and New Zealand will battle it out for UCI ranking points that go towards qualifying slots for the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016.

Just a few days later, the Cycling Australia Para-cycling Track Championships will also kick off, offering riders a very busy pre-Christmas schedule.

Reigning world champions and world record holders in the men’s Tandem Matt Formston and Mick Curran, will contest the event on the 18-19 December, as will Paralympic Champion Michael Gallagher and World Champion Sue Powell.

Newly crowned road world champion Alistair Donohoe will also be riding and having his first crack at the Para 4K individual pursuit.

Cycling Australia’s Para-cycling Performance Director & Head Coach Peter Day highlighted the importance of these two events.

“This is the beginning of the build up for the Australian team to qualify for Rio, and the events being held at DISC will offer riders great opportunities for UCI points and quality racing experience,” Day said.

“Any riders looking to push for selection for Rio, or any rider wanting to test themselves against the best in Australia and New Zealand should be working towards these events.”